Clinical examination is dead

Welcome back to Dr Paul McCoubrie’s a 'view from the dark side' — a series looking at the world of surgery through the lens of a radiologist.

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“I’m absolutely bloody exhausted”

Welcome back to Dr Paul McCoubrie’s a 'view from the dark side' — a series looking at the world of surgery through the lens of a radiologist.

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Several years ago, a corridor conversation changed the way I thought about surgery and surgeons. Talking with a surgical colleague, the chat ended on the topic of physical dexterity and procedural competence. I explained that my physical ineptitude drove me away from interventional radiology. It is also why I don’t do DIY. Whether I’m trying to cannulate a femoral artery or screw something to a wall, I’m hopeless. I’ve got hands like cow’s udders.

Welcome back to Dr Paul McCoubrie’s a 'view from the dark side' — a series looking at the world of surgery through the lens of a radiologist.

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This summer has been difficult for me. A very good friend died in June. My pal, Barry Kelly, was a Belfast-based radiologist who originally trained as a surgeon in Glasgow. Kind and supportive, he was a brilliant wit and raconteur; everyone’s favourite colleague. He was also a polymath who seamlessly wove together literature, philosophy, history and science: very much the Stephen Fry of radiology.